Supplementing for Joint Health: What to Consider for Your Horse

For horse owners, there is nothing more important than the health and wellbeing of their beloved animals. Joint problems are a common issue, especially in older horses, and can be difficult to manage and treat. Fortunately, there are a number of supplements available that can help support joint health and provide relief from pain and inflammation.

When it comes to choosing the right supplement for your horse, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, it is important to understand the cause of your horse’s joint problems. This will help you to select the most appropriate supplement that will target the underlying issue. Secondly, it is important to consider the type of supplement that is best suited to your horse.

For example, some joint supplements are designed to provide a boost of essential vitamins and minerals, while others are formulated to provide a more targeted approach to joint health. Additionally, some supplements are specifically designed for horses with arthritis or other joint issues, while others are formulated for horses with general joint health concerns.

Finally, it is important to consider the dosage and frequency of the supplement. Different supplements may require different dosing schedules, so it is important to read the label and follow the directions carefully. It is also important to consult with your veterinarian to ensure that the supplement is safe for your horse and will not interact with any medications or other supplements your horse may be taking.

Choosing the right supplement for your horse can help to support joint health and provide relief from pain and inflammation. By understanding the cause of your horse’s joint issues, selecting the right type of supplement, and following the dosage instructions, you can ensure that your horse is receiving the best possible care.

Top 8 Joint Supplements for Horses [Validated By Research]

Are some of the most sought-after dietary supplements for horses, especially due to the high prevalence of and deterioration later in life.

But which equine joint supplements and which are all hype? Many of the ingredients often touted for improving joint health have .

And some of the most popular supplements believed to work have been when actually studied in equine populations. (You may be surprised by which ingredients DON’T work.)

That being said, there are some compounds that have been well-researched in horses and for improving metrics of .

In this article, we will review the research behind and help you decide which are worth your money and which should be avoided.

Equine Supplements for Joint Health

Joints consists of which connects to bones, acting as padding while encapsulating the joint. keeps the joint lubricated and limits friction, or wear-and-tear, between the bones.

As horses age, perform heavy work, or become injured, their in several ways. The composition of synovial fluid may change, resulting in less lubricant for the joint. There can be inflammation in the cartilage causing it to deteriorate. This can cause and hinder performance and comfort.

When the cartilage of the joint begins to degenerate, the horse might be diagnosed with . This condition can have including:

Are likely to benefit from a supplement that supports joint health. Choosing the right supplement for your horse can be overwhelming. Some are the current health status of your horse, other goals (ie. weight gain or loss) and demonstrated efficacy in horses.

Dietary supplements to support joint health may have that achieve any of the following:

Here we provide a summary of the of some of the most popular supplements available on the equine market today. We also rate the ingredients on the strength of the evidence in horses supporting their efficacy or inefficacy.

Before adding any new supplement to your horse’s diet, it is recommended to consult with an equine nutritionist or other equine healthcare professional. You can for a complementary evaluation and to receive individualized recommendations for your horse.

1. Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)

Found in alfalfa and grains, methylsulfonylmethane, or MSM, is a readily available natural form of sulfur. It is well-tolerated by horses and is considered one of the safest supplements to add to your equine feeding program.

Sulfur is important in the horse’s diet as a component of glucosamine and collagen which are found in connective tissue and cartilage.

To learn more about MSM for horses, our recent article highlights the .

MSM appears safe for consumption in a variety of animal models and is relatively bioavailable, although may need further evaluation for horses.

While naturally present in small amounts in fresh forage and grains, MSM must be supplemented at higher dosages to support beneficial effects.

The use of MSM for joint health in horses still requires more research, but initial studies report positive results.

The available studies that look at isolated cells in culture show some protective . Similarly, studies in mice and rats show benefits with MSM for reducing inflammation.

While there is currently limited information on MSM and joint health in horses, there are very promising results:

In a 2008 study using horses (8-13 years of age), it was determined that experienced increased oxidative stress as identified by higher levels of nitric oxide and carbon monoxide.

Compared to a control group, the for five weeks protected these horses from oxidative stress and the exercise-induced inflammation that occurred from over the study period.

From these results it appears that MSM supports joint health by acting as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mediator.

Typically recommended serving sizes are . Some horses might benefit from a higher initial serving size of until improvements are noted, followed by 10 grams per day on an ongoing basis.

2. Glucosamine

Glucosamine is a naturally occurring compound that is an important building block of cartilage, the structural tissue that is found between joints throughout the body.

As a dietary supplement, glucosamine is commonly harvested from beef and marine sources, but it can also be produced synthetically. There are three forms of glucosamine: hydrochloride, sulfate, and N-acetyl-D-glucosamine.

Glucosamine supplementation has shown no adverse effects in the horses. However, the bioavailability of glucosamine in horses is low (0 – 5.9 %) and may require large doses to achieve a therapeutic effect.

Glucosamine has been heavily studied for its potential as a joint health supplement in many species.

In cell culture studies, cartilage taken from horse joints was improved when treated with glucosamine. It appears to exert beneficial effects for and delaying onset of symptoms of osteoarthritis.

However, these studies use high doses that are unlikely to be achieved in animal feeding programs. When it is added to the horse’s diet, the evidence is much less conclusive.

In a review that evaluated , it has been consistently shown that the efficacy of glucosamine for supporting joint health is low.

There are also including no control group, lacking blinding to supplementation, small sample sizes, and/or varied criteria for diagnosis of lameness. This makes it difficult to interpret these studies and how well glucosamine works.

Early studies in horses could not identify an effect of glucosamine on joint health when compared to control groups:

Yearling quarter horses were provided over 8 weeks in combination of exercise or walking compared to a control for biomarkers of joint metabolism. There were between supplemented horses that were exercised or walked. And no differences when compared to the control.

Similarly, in young Standardbred horses undergoing race training, 4 grams of glucosamine supplementation every 12 hours for 48 weeks did not alter serum (blood) .

There does not appear to be a benefit from glucosamine supplementation on joint health in horses. Higher quality studies may be beneficial in further understanding potential effects for glucosamine.

3. Chondroitin Sulfate

Chondroitin sulfate is a chain of various sugar molecules found in cartilage. It is typically obtained from bovine species to incorporate in nutraceuticals. However, it is difficult and expensive to extract, and synthetic forms are often difficult to synthesize. Therefore, it is commonly paired with glucosamine in supplements.

The bioavailability for chondroitin sulfate is relatively low and is inconsistent, with a range of 0-32 % in horses.

Similar to glucosamine, studies using isolated cells show promising results for chondroitin sulfates and alleviation of inflammation. However, studies in animals using chondroitin sulfate are inconclusive.

Importantly, the benefits observed in cell culture studies required that would be difficult to supplement in the horse. These studies are considered low quality, and conclusions cannot be drawn from them.

While there do not appear to be benefits of chondroitin sulfate supplementation alone, there may be a benefit to a supplement .

However, when 2 grams of chondroitin sulfate and 5.5 grams of glucosamine were orally supplemented in horses, there was into blood.

Even at 3.5 grams and 8.5 grams of chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine, respectively, there was again no indication in the serum (blood) of these horses that these supplements were absorbed.

Therefore, the of these supplements may be a major factor in the low effectiveness observed in previous studies.

4. Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid is an important component of many tissues, including the joints, cartilage, and connective tissues. It is known to be effective for promoting joint health when injected directly into the joint. Dietary supplements for oral administration of hyaluronic acid are increasing on the market.

Hyaluronic acid has been used to treat osteoarthritis in horses for decades with no reported adverse effects, either when injected or given orally.

When injected directly into a horses’ joint that is affected by osteoarthritis, hyaluronic acid improves joint health and reduces lameness. Oral administration of hyaluronic acid may have similar efficacy for supporting joint health in horses.

When hyaluronic acid was supplemented at , young horses tended to have increases in hyaluronic acid levels and improved synovial fluid composition demonstrating a benefit to joint health.

Similar results on synovial fluid following oral supplementation of hyaluronic acid at a lower dose were also found in yearlings.

Yearling Thoroughbred horses diagnosed with were supplemented for 30 days with 100 mg per day of hyaluronic acid. This (effusion) in affected joints, suggesting decreased inflammation and swelling of the joint.

Overall, oral supplementation of hyaluronic acid appears to exert of administration. However, more research may be required to determine an optimal dose.

5. Resveratrol

While mostly known as a component in wine, resveratrol is found in many plants such as blueberries, pines, and Japanese knotweed. Resveratrol is a polyphenolic compound which is suggested to be beneficial in joint health mostly due to its antioxidant effects.

Supplementing horses with resveratrol appears to be safe. Although determining the bioavailability for this supplement is difficult, it appears to be higher when resveratrol is encapsulated.

There is limited research in horses. It has shown significant benefits for reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, and ultimately protecting against osteoarthritis in other species.

A large volume of cell culture studies show the protective and preventative properties of resveratrol. Similarly, studies in mice and humans show with resveratrol.

Supplementing resveratrol in may improve symptoms , enhance performance and reduce lameness.

In one study, were given for 10 days was followed by 18 days at 1000 mg per day. This reduced markers of lipid peroxidation, a marker of oxidative stress. Enzymes involved in after resveratrol supplementation in these horses.

Supplementation at 1000 mg per day of resveratrol for four months in horses previously treated with an appeared to have improved, but not completely resolved, lameness.

Alternatively, supplementing healthy horses with 450 mg of resveratrol twice per day for only 3-weeks did not result in reduced oxidative stress. This lack of effect could be because they already had adequate antioxidant protection, the dose was too low, or was not given for long enough.

Resveratrol supplementation in the horse. However, more research on an effective serving size may be required. Furthermore, there is some inconsistency in reports of its effects over a short supplementation duration and this should be further investigated.

6. Fatty Acids (Omega-3’s)

Omega-3 fatty acids such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are found in marine oils and plants such as flaxseed. They have been making headlines for a variety of beneficial effects in humans, companion animals, and horses.

There are currently no known adverse effects of supplementing horses with omega-3 fatty acids from animal or plants and bioavailability appears relatively high.

In humans, there is strong evidence for omega-3 fatty acid supplementation for arthritis prevention and protection. Using equine derived cells in cell culture, omega-3 fatty acids are suggested to be important nutrients for minimizing osteoarthritis.

In one study, horses were supplemented with or flaxseed derived fatty acids for 90 days. Synovial fluid composition and levels of pro-inflammatory compounds were unchanged.

However, this study only analyzed the effects of supplementation at the synovial fluid. It did not analyze other markers of inflammation or joint function and cartilage composition that may be impacted by omega-3 fatty acids.

Another study in horses showed promising results in when supplemented with omega-3 fatty acids. Horses were fed a diet with 5.95 grams of omega-3 fatty acids compared to a control diet for 75 days.

After 75 days of supplementation, horses supplemented with fatty acids appeared to have during exercise and higher DHA plasma levels. However, no effect on circulating levels of inflammatory markers were observed and was observed.

Similarly, in a study using , omega-3 supplementation provided evidence for their benefits in reducing symptoms when given 15 g of EPA and 19.8 g of DHA per day for 90 days. This reduced pro-inflammatory prostaglandin concentrations and improved synovial fluid concentrations, demonstrating the of omega-3 fatty acids in horses.

Finally, a evaluating the efficacy of different supplements for the prevention and protection against clinical symptoms of osteoarthritis in dogs, cats, and horses, considered omega-3 fatty acids to have the .

7. Avocado/Soybean Unsaponifiables

Unsaponifiables are a combination of vitamins, sterols, and triterpene alcohols extracted from avocado and soybeans. The plant sterols are thought to play a primary role in promoting benefits for joint health by acting on chondrocytes, the cells that produce cartilage.

Avocado/soybean unsaponifiables appear safe with no adverse effects. Unfortunately, there is limited research on the bioavailability of this supplement.

The use of avocado/soybean unsaponifiables demonstrate a protective effect against joint pain and disease by inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines and by potentially stimulating cartilage repair of damage induced by osteoarthritis.

. However, research in human clinical trials consistently show that avocado/soybean unsaponifiables aid in pain management of osteoarthritis.

In a review of avocado/soybean unsaponifiables on osteoarthritis, it was also concluded that joint function was improved with supplementation.

A study evaluating avocado/soybean unsaponifiables supplementation at a could not confirm its effects on pain reduction that has previously been observed in humans. However, it appeared to and compared to a control group.

Avocado/soybean unsaponifiables in equines. But more research will be required in horses to determine optimal serving sizes and to further investigate its effects on lameness, pain, and inflammatory markers associated with joint health.

8. Green Lipped Mussel

Freeze dried extracts of the New Zealand green lipped mussel, , contain the protein pernin, and have a high content. This makes them a supplement of interest for and supporting joint health.

The bioavailability of green lipped mussel extract is relatively unknown and may depend on the form it is provided in. Green lipped mussel supplements appear safe for consumption in horses with no adverse effects reported.

Interest in green lipped mussel extracts began in the 1970s and research into its use as a supplement has been ongoing. However, due to the many different forms of green lipped mussel extracts, it is difficult to determine how effective dietary supplementation is.

A clinical trial in resulting from osteoarthritis evaluated the effects of a green lipped mussel extract supplement on pain, inflammation, and lameness.

Green lipped mussel was supplemented to horses at for 56 days compared to a control group. It was shown to have benefits for pain management, reducing inflammation, and in horses.

Research continues to grow on green lipped mussel extracts and joint health support with benefits demonstrated in many species, including humans and dogs.

Additional Equine Joint Supplements

Below are a list of supplements that given their known effects in humans and other species. However, these have not been directly studied for joint health in horses.

This list is by no means exhaustive, as there are many supplements with purported benefits to joint health.

Factors to Consider when Choosing a Supplement

Which joint health supplement should you add to your horse’s feeding program? Important factors to consider when may include:

Is important to consider due to the higher prevalence of connective tissue deterioration in senior and/or racing horses. It could be beneficial for a racehorse to receive supplementation for joint health in its earlier years and throughout its maturity in order to prevent workload damage.

Is important in determining which supplement may be of more benefit. While all of the above supplements may aid in supporting healthy joint function in your horse, if your horse has individual needs or is , it is important to assess a supplement for drug interactions.

In this case, supplements may provide additional support, but it is advisable to about potential contraindications and negative interactions with medications.

The is often overlooked but is an important factor to consider. Bioavailability refers to the amount of a nutrient that is actually of the animal and used by cells of the body.

If a supplement is not bioavailable, it won’t matter how much of the supplement is given – it cannot provide benefits because it will not reach its therapeutic target.

When evaluating supplements for their efficacy based on research results, it is also important to note the type of study that the conclusions are drawn from.

Many purported effects of supplements are based on (cell culture) data rather than studies (performed in animals). Generally, studies provide , although species differences might affect how well supplements work in difference animals.

Lastly, the as a whole will help to determine which supplements are superior to others.

While this may help you to navigate through the marketplace of equine supplements for joint health, every horse is different. A supplement that works for one horse may not work for another.

For those looking for a supplement program to support joint health, we recommend Mad Barn’s and our blend of marine and plant sources of fatty acids, . These two products are research-validated and can help to alleviate inflammation and maintain healthy joints, cartilage, and connective tissue.

Our equine nutritionists are available to answer questions you may have about different joint health support supplements and your horses’ diet. for a complementary analysis and our nutritionists can give you personalized recommendations.

2 Comments

Hi I own a 13year old quarter horse type that was a rescue. She apparently was used as a pack horse in the Alberta mountains. I have now trained her to trail ride and now I’m training her for hunter/jumper shows. Her trainer and I have noticed that she clicks at a trot and canter. My trainer has suggested that she should be put on a supplement of glucosamine but I’m now leaning more to msm.

Hi Michelle, we recommend MSM over glucosamine because glucosamine is likely not absorbed well enough from the digestive tract to reach the joints and have a significant impact. Depending on how much of the other supplements/feeds he is getting there may still be some deficits or imbalances that could affect joint health. Feel free to reach out to our nutritionists through email to for further support.

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Does My Horse Need a Joint Supplement?

The simple answer is yes, your horse could benefit from a joint supplement! Whether a performance animal or pasture pet, joint supplements help horses feel their best.

As a horse owner, you’ve likely wondered, “Does my horse need a joint supplement?” Perhaps your trail horse feels a little stiff going down hills these days. Maybe your show campaigner isn’t changing leads with the same finesse. Or if you have a young horse, you’re probably interested in keeping his joints healthy for as long as possible.

When your knee hurts, it’s no fun to exercise. The same is true for horses. Joint pain can decrease not only their performance, but their quality of life. Regardless of their activity or age, joint supplements can help your horse move and feel their best.

Joint problems in horses

Joints are complex structures made up of ligaments, tendons, muscle, cartilage and bones. When healthy, all these components work seamlessly to bear weight and support movement. When any part of the joint is unhealthy—due to degeneration, injury or disease—movement becomes restricted and painful. Eventually, joint pain can even become debilitating.

Studies show that more than 60 percent of all equine lameness can be attributed to arthritis, a term that simply means joint inflammation. And while we often consider joint inflammation to be the purview of aged athletes, horses of all ages, disciplines and activity levels can be afflicted.

Does my horse have joint pain?

If your horse is moving or acting differently than normal, it’s time to consult your veterinarian and investigate joint pain as a possible cause.

Often, joint pain becomes apparent when the horse’s performance decreases. They might move stiffly, rush transitions, become short-strided or have difficulty holding leads. Sometimes, joint pain manifests in a horse’s behavior; they develop a sour attitude, pinning their ears or grinding their teeth at rider aids. For horses not in work, you might notice they’re lying down more and frolicking less.

Unfortunately, by the time a horse is showing symptoms, the joint has already been affected. Early intervention is critical in stopping the cycle of damage and helping your horse live comfortably with joint changes. Even better than early intervention? Prevent or delay joint issues by optimizing joint health from an early age.

1. Buy a joint supplement from a reputable company.

Not all joint supplements are created equal. When selecting a joint supplement, one thing you might want to look for is a seal from the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC). This seal identifies products from companies that are committed to the highest standards of quality and continuous improvement to promote the well-being of companion animals and horses. It’s a way for consumers to know that when they buy a supplement, they are buying from a reputable company.

2. Look for quality ingredients.

These high-quality ingredients can significantly improve your horse’s mobility and longevity by reducing inflammation and supporting healthy joint structures. Look for the following ingredients when shopping for a joint supplement:

Are joint supplements a waste of money?

Absolutely not! While supplements can’t cure arthritis or other joint-related problems (arthritis is an incurable degeneration), both research and anecdotal evidence have shown that supplements improve mobility, range of motion and performance in horses with joint issues.

To ensure you aren’t throwing away money, it’s important to buy a joint supplement with effective, highly bioavailable ingredients. With premium joint supplements like Flex+Max®, results are guaranteed, and the supplement’s high-quality ingredients mean you can feed less—just a single daily scoop—getting more bang for your buck.

When is the best time to start my horse on a joint supplement program?

As soon as possible. The best time to start your horse on a joint supplement is your horse starts showing signs of pain. By supporting healthy joints before a problem arises, you’ll help prevent their degeneration. But even if your horse has already started showing signs of discomfort, joint supplements can help.

Is Apple Cider Vinegar Good For Arthritis In Horses? (3-Minute Read)

And good news to horse lovers when they face medical issues like arthritis in their horses, apple cider vinegar is in support. But is apple cider vinegar good for arthritis in horses? What does the vet say about it?

Apple cider vinegar goes a long way in benefitting the horses. Let’s look into the matter to educate yourself more about the magic it can do to you.

Is apple cider good for horses?

The sugar of apple juice turns to alcohol by adding yeast. Added bacteria turn the alcohol into acetic acid. These very bacteria become the mother of the vinegar, making ACV a natural health source for humans and horses with arthritis issues.

Do horses like the taste of apple cider vinegar? Yeah, it seems okay with it (though it takes a little time).

Here is a list of Apple cider vinegar for horses’ benefits to utilizing apple cider vinegar.

To gain the benefits of apple cider vinegar, you must be more careful about the amount you consider in different cases. If the amount is not accurate, the vinegar can give the reverse effect.

You love your horse, but on them? Learn more about the pros and cons of using human products on horses.

How much apple cider vinegar should I give my horse?

The standard for your adult horse is 50 ml daily, and for horses with heavy work to do, it rises to 100 ml daily.

What you consider while giving your horse vinegar is not only the amount but other things as well:

● The rate of adding ACV in water ranges from 1 cup of it 50 gallons of water to 1 cup of 6 gallons.

● In grain feed, you can add ¼ cup ACV. But remember to add it after diluting it in water on a ratio of 1:1.

● While you want it as an ointment to your skin, you add water in the ACV as 2:1 (apple cider vinegar: water).

And does apple cider vinegar treat thrush in horses?

Apple cider vinegar is a and preventing thrush in horses due to its acidic nature.

Thrush is a bacterial infection in the horses’ heel or soft frog tissues.

It often appears as a swollen part of the hoof, extra tenderness of the affected area, and a blackish, smelly discharge near the wound.

Causes

Thrush occurs when the horses stay longer in the urinated and dirty ground of the stable. Lame horses also get thrush due to a lack of healthy movement. Ill-positioned horseshoes or improper cleaning care also cause thrush.

Treatment with ACV

Has a strong fungus control power. Along with veterinary advice to treat the illness, acv is a natural cleanser . How much apple cider vinegar do I put in my horse’s water? There are two ways you can treat the ailment…..

Can you add apple cider vinegar to the horses’ water?

Yes, you can add apple cider vinegar to horses’ water to enhance the taste of the water in travel cases.

This basically works as a disguise for the taste of water. The horses stay undisturbed by the difference in water taste when away from home.

Amount to consider

You may start adding the vinegar in less amount at the start and increase it later to make the horse absorb the change quickly.

Additional benefit

Adding water to horses’ troughs can keep the algae away and make the water clean and less misty.

Looking to find out if ? Learn more about this popular grass and if it’s the right fit for your horse.

Wait…….Can horses have human apple cider vinegar?

Yeah, talking about that liquid you used as food spice or marination helper.

You can do much more with apple cider vinegar to help your horse in his sickness. Yes, this is one of those special supplements that can work for both . The elements of the apple cider vinegar work as a remedial agent to cure many of the problems they have.

It is to consider which acv is best for human and equine use to see how horses and humans benefit from apple cider vinegar.

Verdict

Using apple cider vinegar for is not new, actually. It’s always been used as a natural remedy for years.

The best thing about using acv for this purpose and other treatments is that it is a natural supplement and doesn’t have any side effects like medicines.

You could not only use it to cure but to prevent the ailment. As said widely, Prevention is better than cure.

This product provides the best cure only when you consider its use at the right time, in the correct quantity, and under expert advice.

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How to help a horse with stiff joints

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Just as we find ourselves feeling stiff and achy, a horse can begin to show signs of lameness and reduced mobility due to a natural deterioration in their joints over time.

Understanding how to help a horse with stiff joints is therefore key to reducing unpleasant symptoms and maintaining a good level of mobility. Whether your horse competes, rides, or works, it’s important that you can enjoy a long and active life together. Let’s take a look at some of the ways we can help…

1. Understand the problem

Knowledge is power, and understanding how the joints work and why they become stiff in the first place is invaluable. Whether joint stiffness comes on gradually with age, or is caused by injury or overwork, it all comes down to inflammation. Left untreated, this inflammation can lead to a breakdown in the joint’s cartilage – an essential component that enables the bones to glide over one another. Without healthy cartilage, the bones and soft tissues around it suffer, so it’s vital to step in as early as possible.

2. Watch out for the signs

A horse experiencing joint stiffness may show some of these tell-tale signs:

3. Rule out other causes

If you spot any of these symptoms, get a full health check booked in to look for underlying causes before you begin considering treatments for joint stiffness. The symptoms of stiff joints are common in senior horses, yes, but there can also be other triggers – like injury or trauma. An equine vet can rule these out before advising you on the best course of action.

4. Maintain a healthy weight

Excess weight puts more pressure on your horse’s joints, so it’s crucial to keep an eye on those scales. On the flip side, underweight horses are at risk of joint problems, too, and undernourishment will leave them weak and prone to injury. Ensuring your horse gets a and plenty of exercise is key, so let’s look more closely at those two areas.

5. Supplement their diet

Omega-3 fatty acids are natural anti-inflammatories, so it’s a good idea to incorporate them into your horse’s diet, along with plenty of fibrous hay and grass. It’s also worth keeping an eye on your horse’s Vitamin E intake as this is a key driver of healthy muscles and nerves. A supplement like our is a great way to ensure your horse is getting the nutrients they need – it incorporates Glucosamine HCl to promote healthy cartilage, as well as Hyaluronic Acid, and Vitamins C & E.

6. Don’t stop moving

Alongside a balanced diet, regular exercise is important for all horses – including, and especially, those with stiff joints. Keeping your horse moving will help to maintain a good range of motion, strengthen the muscles that support their joints, and boost circulation, but you will need to make adaptations depending on your horse’s condition. So, work with your vet to come up with a personalised exercise plan that will help – not hinder – your horse, and always start slowly with plenty of time for warming up and stretching.

7. Keep their feet trimmed

Last but by no means least, pay close attention to your horse’s hooves – these are, effectively, shock absorbers. Uneven hooves, or footing that’s too hard or soft, can lead to extra wear and tear on the joints and even injury. So, pick out any gravel daily, have their feet trimmed regularly, and carefully consider shoe weight and type.

Stiff joints and mobility issues come to us all as we age, and…

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Supplements to help joints keep working at their best: what’s on the market?

Joint supplements for horses provide to help keep them in good working order, comfortable and moving at their best.

There’s a lot for your horse’s joints to contend with throughout the year. In the winter, the increased likelihood of means they’re likely to be moving less and when this is combined with colder temperatures, stiffness is a common result. If the ground’s not hard then it’s wet, which can lead to more roadwork and increased concussive forces on the joint, too. Whereas in the summer is also unavoidable if you’re not confined to a school.

How to choose a joint supplement

Look out for the most common ingredients found in joint supplements, which includes:

Consider the form the supplement takes – joint supplements can come in liquid, powder and pellet forms. Your horse may have a preference to one over another, which could make all the difference as if he won’t eat it, your horse won’t receive the benefit.

Cost is another consideration – we’ve calculated the daily cost of all the supplements featured in this guide to help you compare them easily. To make it as comparable as possible, we’ve used the smallest tubs available, but if you’re better off buying a larger volume of supplement if you can as the daily cost can become significantly lower.

If you compete with your horse then it is important you make sure any supplements you use do not contain any .

Here is a selection of the that are currently available, including the manufacturers’ descriptions of their products…

NAF Superflex

A scientifically balanced ratio of readily absorbed glucosamine, chondroitin and the highest quality MSM, which support the cartilage — the first part of the joint to show wear and tear. It also contains a powerful anti-oxidant formula, which tackles excess free radical build-up around the joint. Five Star Superflex contains the right combination of key nutrients in the optimum ratios and is also available in . BETA NOPS compliant.

Science Supplements FlexAbility Plus+

The only joint supplement in the UK with a published peer-reviewed paper in , it contains optimum levels of scientifically proven ingredients, including glucosamine HCl, chondroitin sulphate, MSM and Hyaluronic Acid. BETA NOPS compliant.

Feedmark Best-Flex HA

This proven supplement contains high levels of joint-supporting nutrients to optimise your horse’s mobility, comfort and performance. BETA NOPS compliant.

Maxavita Maxaflex

This supplement combines the soothing power of green-lipped mussel with other key ingredients to offer short – and long-term support for joint health in horses and ponies. The key active ingredient, a patented green-lipped mussel extract, contains high levels of omega-3 that are known for their natural soothing properties. Glucosamine, MSM and HA help with the long-term maintenance of connective tissue. BETA NOPS compliant.

Dodson & Horrell Joint Support

A pelleted supplement that supports the nutritional maintenance of your horse’s musculoskeletal system, designed to support healthy joints, muscles, tendons and ligaments. Also contains herbs from . BETA NOPS compliant.

TopSpec 10:10 Joint Support

A caramel-flavoured additive that includes an excellent specification of nutrients to help maintain health in and around joints. It includes a generous combination of natural sources of glucosamine and MSM, as well as a blend of antioxidants. BETA NOPS compliant.

Animalife Vetroflex Original

This supplement is a pure peptide protein and works by protecting the cartilage and synovial fluid against deterioration. It also stimulates the cartilage cells to promote more collagen, which helps maintain movement and flexibility by protecting the joints from friction.

Aviform Suppleaze VS

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Betta Life PharmaQuin Joint Complete HA

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Lintbells YuMove Horse

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Audevard Ekyflex Arthro Evo

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Cavalor Arti Motion

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Nettex VIP So Sound

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EquiNutritive Alpha Gold

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Blue Chip Joint-RLF

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Equine America Cortaflex HA Super Fenn

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Equine Products UK Flexivite HA

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Equitop GLME

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Global Herbs MoveFree Plus

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The Golden Paste Company TurmerAid

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Hack Up Joint

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Hilton Herbs Multi-Flex Gold

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Horse First My Joints Plus

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Lincoln

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NutriScience Arthri Aid

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Synovium Motion JMT

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Elite Equine Rosehip Supplement

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Equiform Easy Joint Liquid

Liquid | 2l, 5l, 20l | £36 for 2l | 60ml | £1.08 |

This supplement includes a broad range of ingredients, all of which are involved in the maintenance and repair of the joint structure. Vitamins and minerals, in addition to the glucosamine and MSM, act on a broader role within the joint, as well as supporting the production of important molecules, ensuring all functions relating to the joint are catered for. BETA NOPS compliant.

Hi Form Proflamaid Plus

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The Little Feed Company Flex Free

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Mastacare Glucosamine 5000

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Nupafeed Flex GLM

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Plusvital Flex Supp

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Rowen Barbary Supple

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Original Landmühle Joint Premium

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H Bradshaw’s ColiFlex GastroJoint Care

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Evaluation of an oral joint supplement on gait kinematics and biomarkers of cartilage metabolism and inflammation in mature riding horses

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Abstract

Twenty stock-type horses (589 ± 126 kg BW; 13 ± 8 yr) were used in a completely randomized design for 28-d to evaluate the impact of a joint supplement on gait kinematics, inflammation, and cartilage metabolism. Horses were stratified by age, sex, body weight (BW), and initial lameness scores and were randomly assigned to one of two dietary treatments consisting of either a 100-g placebo top-dressed daily to 0.6% BW (as-fed) commercial concentrate (CON; = 10; SafeChoice Original, Cargill, Inc.), or an oral joint supplement (SmartPak Equine LLC) containing glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, hyaluronic acid, methylsulfonylmethane, turmeric, resveratrol, collagen, silica, and boron (TRT; = 10). Horses were group-housed with ad libitum access to coastal bermudagrass hay ( ) and allowed to graze pasture 2 h/d. Horses were exercised progressively 4 d/wk at 45 min each. On days 13 and 27, blood was harvested followed by a 19.3-km exercise stressor on concrete. Horses traveled at the walk, with no more than 15 min at the trot. Every 14 d, BW and BCS were recorded, and blood was collected for plasma prostaglandin E (PGE ), serum collagenase cleavage neopeptide (C2C), carboxypropeptide of type II collagen (CPII), and chondroitin sulfate 846 epitope (CS846) analysis. Kinematic gait analysis was performed every 14 d (Kinovea v.0.8.15) to determine stride length (SL) and range of motion (ROM) of the knee and hock at the walk and trot. Data were analyzed using PROC MIXED of SAS. All horses increased BW and BCS over time ( ≤ 0.01). Hock ROM increased in TRT horses ( ≤ 0.02) at the walk and tended to increase at the trot compared to CON ( = 0.09). At the walk, SL and knee ROM increased over time, independent of dietary treatment ( ≤ 0.01); no time effect was observed at the trot ( > 0.15). Regardless of treatment, C2C and CPII increased over time ( ≤ 0.05) and no effect was observed for CS846 or PGE ( > 0.12). In response to the exercise stressor, CPII and PGE decreased ( ≤ 0.05) from day 13 to 14, and CS846 and PGE tended to decrease ( 0.10) from day 27 to 28, independent of dietary treatment. In conclusion, hock ROM at the walk and trot was most sensitive to dietary treatment. Supplementation did not alter biomarker concentration of collagen metabolites or systemic inflammation in the 28-d period, but a future study utilizing arthrocentesis may be warranted to specifically evaluate intra-articular response to dietary treatment.

INTRODUCTION

Natural, repetitive concussion of the lower limbs is suggested to contribute to the early development and progression of osteoarthritis ( ) in performance horses ( ). Although no proven method of prevention exists, prior research suggests that targeted dietary supplements may support joint health to preserve the integrity of articular cartilage and longevity of the exercising horse ( ; ; ). Previous trials investigating the use of oral joint nutraceuticals in horses have conflicting results that are challenging to compare, producing skepticism regarding the benefit of feeding these products to performance horses.

Articulating joints are comprised of collagenous protein structures that rely on homeostatic turnover to maintain optimal function. Type II cartilage is prevalent in joints where catabolic collagen cleavage neoepitope ( ), anabolic carboxypropeptide of type II collagen ( ), and aggrecan chondroitin sulfate 846 ( epitope biomarkers can be used to monitor the effect of exercise and progression of OA in both serum and synovial fluid ( ; ; ). Prostaglandin E ( ) can also be used as a marker for OA because its concentration increases in affected cartilage and is associated with disease pathogenesis ( ; ). After collagen protein is catabolized intra-articularly, biomarkers diffuse through the synovium and can be detected in circulation ( ). These biomarkers provide an objective and quantitative approach to identifying metabolic alterations in articular cartilage and to evaluate the impact of potential dietary therapies ( ).

Consistent objective means to evaluate lameness in horses is limited; however, kinematic analysis software may enhance the reliability of the evaluator’s diagnosis ( ). This method disregards external forces affecting movement, allowing individual joints to be studied quantitatively and noninvasively while enhancing the understanding of locomotion ( ; ). Gait analysis software may be used to evaluate the potential efficacy of joint health nutraceuticals intended to reduce inflammation ( ). Therefore, the objectives of this study were to determine the influence of an oral joint supplement on gait kinematics, systemic inflammation, and markers of cartilage metabolism in mature horses undergoing light exercise.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The experimental protocol was approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee at Texas A&M University (AUP# 2019-0228).

Horses and Dietary Treatments

Twenty stock-type horses (589 ± 126 kg BW; 13 ± 8 yr) from a previously established herd at Texas A&M University (College Station, TX) were utilized in a completely randomized design for a 28-d trial. Horses were stratified by body weight ( ), age, sex, and initial lameness scores and were randomly assigned to receive one of two dietary treatments that consisted of horses receiving 100 g of an inactive placebo of dehydrated alfalfa meal, top-dressed once daily ( ; = 10), or 100 g of a commercially available oral joint supplement (SmartPak Equine, LLC, Plymouth, MA) that was formulated to include 15,000-mg hydrolyzed collagen, 8,000-mg turmeric root powder, 7,500-mg methylsulfonylmethane ( ), 5,000-mg glucosamine HCl, 1,000-mg resveratrol, 500-mg chondroitin sulfate, 250-mg silica, 100-mg sodium hyaluronate ( ), and 25-mg boron ( ; = 10). Investigators were blinded to dietary treatments through completion of data analysis, with CON and TRT supplements preweighed and alphabetically coded.

Prior to the start of the trial, lameness evaluations were performed by a licensed veterinarian (Equine Field Service, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX) using a scale of 0 to 5 outlined by the American Association of Equine Practitioners ( ). Horses selected for the trial were determined to be either free of lameness (Score 0; = 18) or had lameness that was difficult to observe or not consistently apparent at the walk or trot (Score 1; = 2; ). All horses were offered 0.6% BW (as-fed) of a commercially available concentrate (SafeChoice Original, Cargill Inc.) daily to meet or slightly exceed the nutritional requirements for mature horses undergoing light exercise ( ). This ration was divided evenly between two meals offered at 12-h intervals using attachable feed bags (Derby Originals LLC; North Canton, OH). Horses were allowed 60 min to consume concentrate meals and intakes and orts were recorded daily. Horses had ad libitum access to water and round bales of coastal bermudagrass ( ) hay in a group-housed setting and all horses grazed 2 h/d on coastal bermudagrass pasture. Composited samples of concentrate, hay, and pasture were analyzed for nutrient content using a commercial laboratory (Equi-Analytical Laboratories, Ithaca, NY; ).

Table 1.

Nutrient composition of pelleted concentrate, Coastal bermudagrass ( ) hay, and Coastal bermudagrass pasture fed to mature stock-type horses

Concentrate consisted of 0.6% BW (as-fed) daily of a commercially formulated concentrate (Safe Choice Original, Cargill, Inc.)

Every 14 d, BW was recorded using a calibrated digital platform scale (Bastrop Scale Inc., Bastrop, TX) and individual intakes of concentrate were adjusted accordingly. Three independent and trained observers obtained BCS every 14 d and an average value was recorded. Anti-inflammatory medications were withheld for a minimum of 4 wk prior to and during the experimental period, and all farrier work was completed by the same professional farrier at 4-wk intervals.

Exercise

Four days/week, horses were ridden for 45 min as part of the training program at Parsons Mounted Cavalry (Texas A&M Corps of Cadets, College Station, TX). Horses had been similarly exercised for the previous 4 wk leading up to the start of the trial. During the study, horses were exercised on a natural dirt surface in accordance with course requirements, and activities progressed collectively as a group. Course topics included a transition from walk-trot drills through wk 2, to introducing the canter beginning at wk 3 ( ).

Table 2.

Horses were exercised 4 d/wk in class at Parsons Mounted Cavalry (Texas A&M Corps of Cadets). Workload intensity steadily increased throughout the trial and focused on drills at the walk, trot, and canter.

Exercise Stressor

On days 13 and 27 of the study, all horses participated in a 6-h exercise stressor, traveling a total of 19.3-km on a parade route to evaluate the physiological response to increased exercise duration and load on a concrete surface ( ). Both days encompassed the groups’ mounted departure from the equine facility, riding on public roads traveling predominantly at the walk, and for no more than 15 min at the trot, to the Texas A&M University campus. Upon arrival, the unit traveled through campus and conducted three practice laps (402 m each) around the football stadium followed by a 2-h rest period in which horses were offered hay and water. Horses then moved as a unit around the track inside the football stadium (402 m) that was followed by return to the equine facility along the same route.

Sample Collection and Laboratory Analysis

Plasma and serum samples were collected via jugular venipuncture on days 0, 13, 14, 27, and 28, prior to morning feeding. Samples intended for serum analysis were collected into 10-mL evacuated nonadditive tubes (BD Vacutainer, Franklin Lakes, NJ) and allowed to remain at room temperature to clot for 30 min prior to processing. Samples intended for plasma analysis were collected into 7.5-mL evacuated tubes containing 0.081 mL of 15% K EDTA solution and 12.15 mg K (BD Vacutainer, Franklin Lakes, NJ) and were immediately stored on ice. All samples were centrifuged at 2,000 × at 4 °C for 20 min and the supernatant was aliquoted and then stored in 1.5-mL microcentrifuge tubes at −80 °C prior to analysis.

Samples were analyzed in duplicate using commercially available ELISA kits, previously validated for use in horses, to determine plasma PGE (R&D Systems, Inc., Minneapolis, MN), and serum biomarkers related to cartilage metabolism that included C2C, CPII, and CS846 (IBEX Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Montreal, QC, Canada). Dilutions were made with diluents provided by the kit before beginning the assay. Standards were diluted 1:3, 1:5, 1:10, and 1:5 for PGE , C2C, CPII, and CS846, respectively. Minimum detectible limits for C2C, CPII, and CS846 were 10, 50, and 20 ng/mL, respectively. Intra-assay precision for C2C and CPII ranged from 0.30% to 9.50% and 0% and 7.80%, whereas the inter-assay CV was ≤7.98%. Intra-assay CV for the CS846 epitope ranged from 0.60% to 9.40% and maximum inter-assay was 9.06%. The PGE intra-assay CV ranged between 0.30% and 9.90% and an inter-assay CV of 7.57%. All plates were read using a microplate reader (BioRad 680 Microplate Reader, BioRad Laboratories, Hercules, CA).

Gait Kinematic Analysis

Gait kinematic analysis was conducted on days 0, 14, and 28 of the study. All horses were led by the same handler along a 10-m path on a solid dirt surface three times each at both the walk and trot. Square, 2.5-cm adhesive markers were used to mark joints of interest and were placed by a single individual on the right forelimb and hindlimb to aid in visibility and calibration. The distance measured between the greater tubercle of the humerus and the ulnar carpal bone was recorded using a soft tape measure and used for software calibration. The forelimb markers included six locations: the greater tubercle of the humerus, lateral humeral epicondyle, ulnar carpal bones, lateral metacarpal epicondyle, middle phalanx–proximal phalanx junction, and proximal phalanx–distal phalanx junction. The hindlimb markers included five locations: the distal phalanx–middle phalanx junction, middle phalanx–proximal phalanx junction, proximal phalanx–third metacarpal junction, tarsal bones, and lateral femoral epicondyle.

Video recordings of each horse were made using an iPad Pro (Apple, CA, 11”) placed on a tripod set at a height of 142 cm to the camera lens and 9.14 m from the center of the measured pathway. Gait analysis was performed by an individual researcher using Kinovea software v. 0.8.15, a two-dimensional motion analysis program to assess stride length ( ) and range of motion ( ) for the knee and hock. An SL was defined as the distance from the initial point of contact of the front right limb’s stance phase-1 to the next point of contact after this limb completed one swing phase and subsequently entered stance phase-2 ( ). Angular joint ROM was defined as the difference between the maximum and minimum angles achieved by that joint during one stride ( ). To account for biological variability, each horse was evaluated three times at each gait and the average of the three was used to determine SL and ROM. Velocity was also determined using the average of three time points per horse for each sample day, calculated from video recordings using the time taken to cover a given distance ( ).

Statistical Analysis

All data were analyzed using PROC MIXED in SAS (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC). The model contained fixed effects for treatment, time, and treatment × time interactions. Age was examined in the model and no effect was observed; therefore, it was removed from the model statement to conserve degrees of freedom. Data were tested for normality using PROC UNIVARIATE prior to analysis and all non-normal data (PGE , CPII, and CS846) were log-transformed to achieve normality. Log-transformed data are presented as log LSMeans ± SEM and untransformed data are presented as LSMeans ± SEM. Outliers were identified using box plots of the residuals and were removed if 2SD from the mean. Biomarker data from the exercise stressor required a covariate structure using data obtained on day 0, and the model included a random effect of horse within treatment to account for individual variability. Delta values were defined as the change between days 0 and 28. Significance was declared at ≤ 0.05 and a trend toward significance was declared at ≤ 0.10.

Intake and Performance Characteristics

Horses readily consumed concentrate and no refusals were recorded throughout the 28-d trial. Mean BW and BCS did not differ between dietary treatments ( = 0.20); however, all horses increased ( ≤ 0.01) in BW from 566.11 ± 16.28 to 574.5 ± 16.28 kg ( ) and BCS increased from 6.1 ± 0.18 to 6.29 ± 0.18 regardless of dietary treatment ( = 0.03; ).

Table 3.

Mean change in body weight (BW) and body condition score (BCS) in horses receiving a pelleted concentrate and supplemented with either 100 g of an inactive placebo top-dressed once daily (n = 10; CON), or an active-ingredient oral joint supplement ( = 10; TRT)

Treatments consisted of either 100 g of an inactive placebo (CON) top-dressed once daily, or an active-ingredient oral joint supplement containing glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, hyaluronic acid, methylsulfonylmethane, turmeric, resveratrol, collagen, silica, and boron (TRT).

Markers of Cartilage Metabolism and Inflammation

There was no influence of dietary treatment on serum C2C or CPII ( ; = 0.54 and = 0.45, respectively); however, both increased over time ( ≤ 0.05) in response to increasing exercise load. Throughout the trial, overall C2C and Log CPII concentration increased between days 0 and 28 (186.63 to 214.06 ± 8.24and 3.45 to 3.51 ± 0.02 ng/mL, respectively). No effect of dietary treatment was observed for serum CS846 concentrations, indicative of aggrecan turnover ( = 0.12; ); however, horses on TRT tended ( = 0.08; ) to have a larger change in Log CS846 concentration (0.04 ± 0.05 ng/mL) compared with CON horses (-0.09 ± 0.05). No effects of dietary treatment or time were observed for plasma PGE concentrations ( 0.15; ).

Table 4.

Mean change in serum and plasma biomarkers in horses receiving a pelleted concentrate and supplemented with either 100 g of an inactive placebo top-dressed once daily (CON), or an active-ingredient oral joint supplement (TRT)

Exercise Stressor

No treatment × time effects were observed in response to either exercise stressor performed on days 13 and 27 ( ≥ 0.14; ) of the study; therefore, the time effect is reported to illustrate differences over time in response to the exercise stressor. Markers including CPII and PGE decreased ( ≤ 0.05; ) in all horses, regardless of diet, on day 14 following the initial exercise stressor conducted on day 13. Concentrations of CS846 and PGE also tended ( ≤ 0.10; ) to decline on day 28 in all horses following the final exercise stressor that occurred on day 27 of the experiment.

Table 5.

The serum concentration (ng/mL) for biomarkers of collagen turnover and plasma concentration (pg/mL) for a biomarker of systemic inflammation over time in horses after exercise stressors conducted on days 13 and 27 in mature riding horses

Main effect of day. There was no effect of dietary treatment or treatment × day.

TRT ( = 9); CON; days 13, 14 and days 27, 28.

TRT ( = 10); CON ( = 9); days 13, 14 and days 27, 28.

Stride length.

To account for intravariation in horse velocity, an average of three timepoints for velocity were analyzed for each horse per sample day. No treatment × time difference in velocity was detected at the walk or trot ( = 0.96; data not shown). While evaluating the walk, SL increased ( ≤ 0.01; ) over time but did not differ between dietary treatments ( = 0.78) as values increased from day 0 to 28 (140.66 ± 3.09 to 185.58 ± 3.09 cm, respectively). Dietary treatment did not affect SL at the trot ( = 0.15; ).

Table 6.

Mean change in gait variables of interest including SL and ROM in horses receiving a pelleted concentrate and supplemented with either 100 g of an inactive placebo top-dressed once daily (CON), or an active-ingredient oral joint supplement (TRT)

Within row, superscripts indicate tendency toward a dietary treatment difference ≤ 0.10.

Range of motion.

There was no effect of treatment for knee ROM at the walk or trot ( = 0.48); however, there was an effect of time at the walk ( ≤ 0.01; ). Knee ROM on day 0 averaged 54.8 ± 1.53° and increased to 68.23 ± 1.53° on day 28. Regarding hock ROM, a treatment × time interaction was observed at the walk ( = 0.01; ) as TRT horses had a greater ROM (46.78 ± 1.56°) on day 28 compared with CON (39.79 ± 1.56°). When deltas were calculated, TRT horses also displayed a greater change in hock ROM (17.47 ± 2.92°) at the walk compared with CON horses ( = 0.03; ). An effect of time ( = 0.03) was observed for hock ROM at the trot with both groups increasing ROM throughout the trial. Additionally, TRT horses tended to have a higher ROM (44.87 ± 1.51°) than CON horses (42.93 ± 1.60°; = 0.09; ).

DISCUSSION

This study assessed the impact of a multi-ingredient oral joint supplement on mature, lightly exercised horses in response to weekly exercise and two performance events. Throughout the study, average BW and BCS increased across both dietary treatments, which may be attributed to the transition from group feeding to individual feeding at the start of the trial period. Basal diets met the recommended DE requirement for mature horses undergoing light exercise (24.0 Mcal/d; ), with TRT horses receiving 26.75 Mcal/d and CON horses receiving 26.06 Mcal/d. The DE values were determined by calculating the estimated dry-matter forage intake of 2% BW/d in addition to the provided average dry-matter concentrate ration provided daily.

In the current study, SL at the walk and trot were not influenced by dietary treatment. Stride length may be influenced by several extraneous factors, such as track surface, velocity, and pain ( ; ; ). To minimize extraneous factors that could affect SL, horses in the current study were walked and trotted on the same surface by the same experienced handler at each sample timepoint. In a previous study evaluating the effect of oral supplementation of glucosamine-chondroitin sulfate in horses diagnosed with degenerative joint disease, investigators observed a significant increase in SL at the walk from 165 to 177 cm during the first 2 wk of supplementation, which was followed by a plateau for the remainder of the 6 wk trial ( ). In the current study, a plateau in SL at the walk was observed during the first 2 wk of supplementation, and an increase in SL across both treatments occurred during the last 2 wk of the trial. Reducing inflammation, and presumably pain, in response to feeding a joint supplement, has been associated with increased SL and improved locomotor symmetry in the horse ( ; ). provided oral supplementation of glucosamine hydrochloride and CS to a group of horses for 12 wk, assessing joint ROM and SL using two-dimentional kinematic software every 4 wk. Starting at week 8, researchers observed improved ROM at the elbow, stifle, and rear fetlock, and increased SL in horses receiving the supplement. These results suggest that the possibility for more robust improvement in gait parameters of horses in the current study should they have undergone a longer supplementation period.

Knee ROM at the walk and trot increased over time but did not differ by dietary treatment. Joint motion is affected by conformation, intra-articular composition, and extra-articular support systems ( ). Internal joint structures should enable a healthy horse to move smoothly with minimal friction due to the low viscosity of synovial fluid that prevents fusion of articular material and lowers surface tension ( ). In the current study, the population of horses selected was scored ≤1 following a preliminary lameness exam, meaning they did not show any clinical sign of lameness or signs were difficult to observe and inconsistent ( ). Horses were exercised with a progressive training load for each of the 4 wk, including a transition from walk/trot drills through wk 2, to introducing the canter beginning at wk 3. It is possible that the increase in knee ROM observed over time across both groups was due to dynamic suppling, an effect of progressive weight bearing exercise involving eccentric and concentric cycles of muscle contraction ( ; ).

Stretching joints through the use of extensor muscles can promote enhanced locomotor effects. In a previous gait analysis trial, researchers also observed an increase in stride length and knee range of motion at the trot over a 28-d period for horses in a control group that were exercised similarly to horses in the current trial ( ). In the current study, horses on TRT showed greater hock ROM at the walk throughout the trial, and a tendency for increased hock ROM at the trot, in response to dietary treatment. Although limited research has been conducted with nutraceutical intervention specific to improving hock function, data from the current study indicate that this region may be sensitive to ingredients provided in the oral supplement.

It is challenging to correlate the increased hock ROM in the current study to a specific ingredient within the supplement used in the current study; however, the combination of ingredients likely had a multifactorial influence in intra – and extra-articular structures to improve joint fluidity and ROM at the walk and trot. The bioavailability of these nutraceutical compounds and mechanism for incorporation into targeted intra-articular joints is largely unknown. Evaluating serum and plasma concentrations of specific ingredients would be useful in understanding the absorption rate of the active ingredients in the supplement.

Horses with intra-articular inflammation are often affected by joint effusion due to vascular leakage and synovial membrane edema ( ). Mitigating the inflammatory response due to exercise load can reduce the potential for intra-articular tension and subsequently improve joint ROM. In the current study, plasma PGE concentrations were not influenced by dietary treatment; however, plasma PGE concentrations were reduced for both treatment groups in samples obtained 18 h after both exercise stressors were completed. Previous research comparing exercised and non-exercised horses has demonstrated a significant elevation in plasma PGE levels within 1-h postexercise stressor, with a concentration of 61 ± 1.8 pg/mL for exercising horses and 28 ± 13.1 pg/mL for the nonexercising group ( ). These authors also demonstrated no significant difference in PGE concentrations between the groups from 2 to 24 h post-stressor; whereas the current trial detected an average decrease in PGE concentrations among all horses of 495.07 pg/mL during the first stressor and 289.12 pg/mL in the second. In a future study, increasing the frequency of sampling timepoints immediately after completion of the exercise stressor and assessing other markers of inflammation such as interleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α may provide a more comprehensive and sensitive analysis of systemic inflammation and the impact of nutraceutical intervention ( ; ).

In the current trial, dietary treatment did not affect type II cartilage catabolism or anabolism; however, mean serum C2C and CPII concentrations tended to increase over time. This change may be reflective of increased workload in horses’ daily exercise routine as a result of metabolic turnover. The C2C antibody recognizes neoepitopes generated by collagenase-cleaved type II collagen ( ). The CPII marker, also termed “chondrocalcin,” is indicative of intra-articular cartilage that is undergoing repair as a result of pathological disturbance ( ). Additionally, CPII concentration will appear proportional to the rate of new collagen development. The half-life of CPII is relatively short (16 h) in synovial fluid, making it a useful biomarker of recent collagen synthesis ( ). Type II collagen is highly prevalent in joints and its catabolism is linked to OA progression ( ). When exposed to an intra-articular lipopolysaccharide inflammatory challenge, C2C and CPII concentrations in the synovial fluid have been shown to increase (275.1 ± 11.0 and 2891.2 ± 216.1 ng/mL, respectively) in mature horses, which suggests the potential for exercise-induced inflammation to initiate a similar response ( ). However, horses in the current study showed an average reduction of 364.71 ng/mL in CPII concentration 18 h after the day 13 exercise stressor, and no significant change in C2C concentration. In a study of collagen biomarkers in foals, horses with forced exercise showed lower concentrations of serum CPII (387.8 ± 26.2 ng/mL) than foals turned out on pasture, (522.4 ± 35.8 ng/mL), indicating the potential for a negative effect on type II collagen metabolism in the young exercised horse ( ).

Serum biomarkers can be useful in detecting intra-articular change once the protein has left the synovium and entered circulation ( ). In the current study, no effect of dietary treatment was seen on serum Log CS846 concentrations; however, the supplement appeared to initiate a tendency for greater change from day 0 to 28 for horses on the TRT diet by 0.04 ± 0.05 ng/mL. These results are similar to observations from a prior study which recorded an increase in serum CS846 concentrations in healthy 2-yr-old horses from their baseline to day 7 of exercise ( ). Another study reported no change in serum CS846 concentration among weanling horses undergoing sprint exercises ( ). A possible reason for these conflicting results may be age differences between the populations studied. The presence of the CS846 molecule reflects synthesis of intra-articular aggrecan molecules of the cartilage extracellular matrix, which are utilized in joint compression and shock absorption. The concentration of CS846 is highest in developing animals and declines with advancing age ( ; ). Also, elevated serum concentrations in horses may indicate articular cartilage turnover as a result of exercise ( ; ; ). Additionally, in the current study, the CS846 concentration tended to decrease in serum of all horses 18 h after completion of the second exercise stressor, from day 27 to d 28. These results contradict findings from , who observed the highest concentration of the cartilage marker keratan sulfate in the 30-min post-training period in 2- to 4-yr-old racehorses, and a return to baseline within 1 h after the conclusion of the training session.

Nutraceutical supplementation of glycosaminoglycans, sodium hyaluronate, glucosamine, and chondroitin are most frequently investigated as alternative methods to aid in joint recovery ( ). provided glucosamine through a nasogastric tube and reported a detectable level of the monosaccharide in synovial fluid up to 12-h postadministration, suggesting a potential for short-term pharmacokinetic impacts. In contrast to this study, evaluated long-term oral supplementation of glucosamine and observed peak concentrations in synovial fluid at day 28 and 84 and in plasma at d 28 and 42 in yearling horses during a 98-d trial. The authors suggest that due to rapid metabolism of glucosamine, an extended period of supplementation may be required in order to stimulate a physiological effect due to the timeframe required for cartilage turnover. Incorporation of the supplement’s key ingredients into the intra-articular environment was not evaluated in the current study; however, it is possible that the 28-d supplementation period in the current study did not allow sufficient time for the cartilage in the horses’ joints to be altered.

A study utilizing a similar multi-ingredient joint supplement to the current study (MSM, HA, glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate) provided horses with the product for 61 d prior to conducting an intra-articular lipopolysaccharide challenge and observed significantly lower PGE concentrations in the treatment group compared with the placebo ( ). Unfortunately, authors did not evaluate PGE prior to d 28, so it is unknown if the ingredients would have elicited an effect earlier in the trial. In , a resveratrol supplement was administered to horses after receiving triamcinolone acetonide injections in both hind tarsometatarsal joints. After 2 mo, owners administering the resveratrol reported improvement in horse performance at a significantly higher rate than owners administering the placebo. Furthermore, objective analysis using an inertial sensor indicated a significant improvement in the lameness amplitude: natural pelvic amplitude ratio among horses administered resveratrol compared with the control group ( ).

Silicon, another ingredient included in the current study’s oral joint supplement, is highly prevalent in connective tissue and has shown promise as a beneficial supplement in reducing injury under extreme exercise stress in young racehorses ( ; ). In , 18-mo-old racehorses entering training were either not supplemented or received one of three different quantities of sodium zeolite A ( ) for 180 d. Horses fed the highest dose at 2.8% SZA showed an increase in plasma silicon levels from 6.39 mg/dL on day 90 to 7.26 mg/dL on day 180. Additionally, horses fed SZA had faster race times and were able to race longer distances before reaching structural failure, suggesting that supplementation containing this ingredient may have a beneficial impact on performance and longevity in the performance horse. In contrast to this study, horses in the current study underwent light-exercise and had reached skeletal maturity, which may factor into the detectable impact of silicon in the TRT group.

In summary, an oral joint supplement was tested in a 28-d experiment using mature stock-type horses undergoing light exercise. Horses supplemented with TRT increased ROM of the hock at the walk and tended to increase ROM at the trot compared with horses in the CON group. These findings indicate that the hock may initially be the most sensitive to biomechanical change as a result of the nutraceutical supplementation. Furthermore, the hock is a common area sensitive to injury and affected by OA and supplementing this product may improve comfort and longevity in the mature horse. No change was observed in response to supplementation in serum or plasma biomarkers; however, further studies utilizing arthrocentesis, as well as examining additional markers for inflammation, may provide a more detailed understanding of the impact this supplement has intra-articularly in the mature horse. Testing this product in different populations, such as young horses entering performance training, and increasing the duration of supplementation prior to initiating a stressor, may also be useful to test the product’s ability to mitigate inflammation and joint degradation.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

We affirmatively acknowledge that we were free from influence by SmartPak Equine LLC and its employees that would result in any conflict of interest.

Top 8 Joint Supplements for Horses [Validated By Research]

Equine Supplements for Joint Health

1. Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)

2. Glucosamine

3. Chondroitin Sulfate

4. Hyaluronic Acid

5. Resveratrol

6. Fatty Acids (Omega-3’s)

7. Avocado/Soybean Unsaponifiables

8. Green Lipped Mussel

Additional Equine Joint Supplements

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Supplements to help joints keep working at their best: what’s on the market?

How to choose a joint supplement

NAF Superflex

Science Supplements FlexAbility Plus+

Feedmark Best-Flex HA

Maxavita Maxaflex

Dodson & Horrell Joint Support

TopSpec 10:10 Joint Support

Animalife Vetroflex Original

Aviform Suppleaze VS

Betta Life PharmaQuin Joint Complete HA

Lintbells YuMove Horse

Audevard Ekyflex Arthro Evo

Cavalor Arti Motion

Nettex VIP So Sound

EquiNutritive Alpha Gold

Blue Chip Joint-RLF

Equine America Cortaflex HA Super Fenn

Equine Products UK Flexivite HA

Equitop GLME

Global Herbs MoveFree Plus

The Golden Paste Company TurmerAid

Hack Up Joint

Hilton Herbs Multi-Flex Gold

Horse First My Joints Plus

Lincoln

NutriScience Arthri Aid

Synovium Motion JMT

Elite Equine Rosehip Supplement

Equiform Easy Joint Liquid

Hi Form Proflamaid Plus

The Little Feed Company Flex Free

Mastacare Glucosamine 5000